Exercise apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method, for introduction of unilateral and asymmetrical movements into a plurality of exercises is generally described. In an embodiment, the exercise apparatus is provided in which asymmetrical weight loading enables introduction of unilateral and asymmetric movements into the plurality of exercises. In a further embodiment, a method of instructing and/or using the exercise apparatus is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/022,527, filed on Jul. 9, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

An apparatus and method, for introduction of unilateral and asymmetrical movements into a plurality of exercises is generally described.

BACKGROUND

Past exercise apparatus use mechanical movements creating repetitive and unnatural body movements that are typically bilateral and symmetrically focused. Many of the common issues and skeletal inefficiencies that athletes and fitness enthusiasts suffer from are created by the exercise activities they engage in on a routine basis. Because exercise equipment mostly focuses on repetitive bilateral and symmetrical movements, past strength and fitness training machines and equipment do not incorporate the natural balance of integrated muscles working together to accelerate, decelerate and stabilize the skeleton at various angles and ranges of motion. Those machines and symmetrical training methods create unnatural stresses, that in turn cause adaptations to stresses that are inconsistent with the actual muscle structure of the body. As faulty movement patterns develop muscle adaptations become more pronounced. The adaptations can lead to overuse injuries and to other injuries during ordinary daily activity that result from overtraining certain muscles or muscle groups while virtually ignoring stabilizer and other muscle groups. The classic example is a fairly fit and regular exerciser who ends up with a back injury from stepping off a curb.

By way of example, commonly featured pieces of exercise equipment in many fitness clubs and home gyms are treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes, and various weight training equipment. Though staples of routine exercise, these types of equipment engage the exerciser in constrained repetitive movements that are mostly bilateral and symmetrical. There is little opportunity for the exerciser to safely introduce an asymmetrical movement into the exercise while using this equipment. For instance, it would be highly unusual and risky to attempt side-to-side stepping or rotational movements while walking or running on a treadmill. When using an elliptical trainer or spin bike, for instance, one would not be able to operate the equipment in order to gain the proposed benefit of use unless the feet and hands of the user were in direct contact with the machine, and that contact is both range and scope-of-motion limiting. By design, most exercise equipment intentionally focuses and constrains the scope and range of motion of the exerciser in order to provide a targeted muscle benefit while ensuring the safety of the exerciser. Therefore, it is by design that currently available exercise equipment engages the exerciser in mostly focused bilateral and symmetrical movements while virtually ignoring the actual physiological stabilizing muscles of the human body.

Still, other exercise equipment is designed to further target specific muscles or to provide an “all-in-one” option for those who have limited space or budget for exercise equipment. Though such equipment permits an exerciser to engage in a plurality of exercises, the relatively static nature of such equipment does not change the fundamental characteristics of bilateral and symmetrical fitness training. As with currently available exercise equipment, the relatively static and constrained positioning of the exerciser when using this equipment, lends to the same known issues resulting from most current exercise training.

In addition to exercise equipment, there is a growing trend of utilizing items that are non-traditional exercise equipment in order to appeal to a particular demographic of exercisers by creating a non-traditional training environment. Such items include tractor tires, skip ropes, cargo netting, and even rope ladders which appear in warehouse style and field gyms. In most instances, these items are un-altered in design and/or from their original purpose and use of such items is contrived. In particular, such items have constrained exercise uses, but may offer some asymmetrical and unilateral advantages over traditional exercise equipment. However, since these items were not designed for fitness use, the exercisers' safety and obvious constraints of the non-traditional item limit any potential asymmetrical and unilateral advantage. Also, since these items are not designed for use in exercise activities and/or to develop and/or increase exercisers' fitness levels, the items are generally used to perform the same exercise movements repetitively, thereby creating a basis for the same overtraining issues present in traditional equipment. The inspiration to use a variety of articles commonly found in the environment or around the house is not entirely new, including using cans of vegetables as weights or doing push-ups or squats against a wall. But, one of ordinary skill in the art would not think to replace the apparatus described herein with an ordinary piece of equipment in their home or from a construction site. To the extent that the apparatus and methods described herein may appear to share some similar traits as common home based and construction equipment, it is important to be clear that traditional home based and construction equipment is designed for very different purposes and are therefore built to withstand different weight loading and safety concerns.

In view of the disadvantages associated with currently available devices and methods for exercise, there is a need for a device and methods that integrate unilateral and asymmetrical weight loading to enable introduction of unilateral and asymmetric movements into a plurality of exercises.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, an exercise apparatus is provided in which asymmetrical weight loading enables introduction of unilateral and asymmetric movements into a plurality of exercises.

In another embodiment, a method of using the exercise apparatus enabling an exerciser to integrate unilateral and asymmetric variables into a plurality of exercise movements, and thereby controllably improving the conditioning of the exerciser to enhance the exerciser's ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury in the exerciser's routine activities is provided.

In yet another embodiment, a method of instructing an exerciser to perform exercise movements using the exercise apparatus to integrate unilateral and asymmetric variables into a plurality of exercise movements, and thereby controllably improving the conditioning of an exerciser to enhance the exerciser's ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury in the exerciser's routine activities is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exercise apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1A is a top view of an exercise apparatus according to FIG. 1, showing an axes of symmetry of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of holding members;

FIGS. 3A-3F are top views of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, each depicting a template or pattern of various holding member and lateral member gripping positions according to an embodiment of the method of using or instructing use of the exercise apparatus;

FIGS. 4A-4E depict a template or pattern of various foot positions according to an embodiment of the method of using or instructing use of the exercise apparatus;

FIGS. 5A-5E depict a top view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 depicting a template or pattern of various movements according to an embodiment of the method of using or instructing use of the exercise apparatus; and

FIGS. 5F-5H are perspective views the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 depicting a template or pattern of various movements according to an embodiment of the method of using or instructing use of the exercise apparatus.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods, a simple example will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this example is illustrative and not limiting and is provided purely for explanatory purposes.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.

To the extent that the apparatus and methods described herein may appear to share some similar traits as commonly home based and construction equipment, one of ordinary skill in the art of making and using exercise equipment would understand that traditional home based and construction equipment are not designed for use as exercise equipment. In fact, such home based and construction equipment is specifically designed for very different purposes and are thus built to withstand different weight loading and safety concerns. The apparatus described herein is both symmetrical in its design and weight loading, thereby entirely setting it apart from any traditional piece of home-based or construction equipment. The symmetrical design and weight loading is essential to the safety and benefits of asymmetrical and unilateral movements realized by the exerciser and it would in turn be inappropriate for use and even potentially dangerous for ordinary household or construction uses.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an exercise apparatus 10 is provided for use by an exerciser to safely and controllably condition the body by introducing unilateral and symmetric movements into a plurality of exercises. In an embodiment, the exercise apparatus 10 includes a first lateral member 20 and a second lateral member 22. While the first and second lateral members 20, 22 are illustrated as integral members, it is contemplated that each of the first and second lateral members 20, 22 may comprise multiple complementary sections attachable to form the illustrated first and second members 20, 22. The first lateral member 20 and second lateral member 22 are rigidly disposed in a parallel arrangement and are connected by a plurality of connecting members 30. The plurality of connecting members 30, extend transversely between the first lateral member 20 and the second lateral member 22 in a connecting arrangement, with the connecting members 30 being equidistantly spaced apart.

A plurality of intermediate connecting members 33 are positioned between a first connecting member 31 and a last connecting member 32. In an embodiment, there are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more of the connecting members 30 arranged to connect the first lateral member 20 to the second lateral member 22. In a preferred embodiment, there are 6 connecting members 30 used for the exercise apparatus 10, which lends to a nice balance (or lack thereof) of the exercise apparatus 10 when used as described in greater detail below. The first connecting member 31 is disposed near a first end 11 of each of the first and second lateral members 20, 22 and the last connecting member 32 is disposed near a second end 12 of each of the first and second lateral members 20, 22.

Although the drawing shown in FIG. 2 appears to show placement of the plurality of connecting members 30 arranged/attached towards the lower edge of the parallel lateral members 20, 22, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the plurality of connecting members 30 could also be positioned centrally along, and/or may even be sized to have an outer diameter equal to that of, the first and second lateral members 20, 22. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the plurality of connecting members 30 is equal to, greater than, or less than an outer diameter of the first and second lateral members 20, 22. It is further contemplated that some of the plurality of connecting members 30 may be of non-equal diameters, while ensuring that the apparatus 10 maintains balance about an axes of symmetry 70 (see, for example FIG. 1A).

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1A, the exercise apparatus 10 has axes of symmetry 70 about which the apparatus is balanced, to facilitate ease of use of the apparatus, particularly when using the apparatus 10 in unilateral and/or asymmetrical movement patterns as described in greater detail hereinbelow. These axes of symmetry 70 are not to be compared with a precise center of gravity or center of mass. These axes of symmetry 70 are relevant in that the typical exercise apparatus is balanced relative to the exercise being performed and not around a precise center of gravity or center of mass of the apparatus. The precise center of gravity or center of mass may vary slightly from one exercise apparatus to the next; these slight variations are anticipated to be within reasonable and acceptable tolerances, wherein these slight variations will not be noticeable to the exerciser. In an embodiment, the apparatus has a uniform density around the horizontal and vertical axes of symmetry 70.

As described herein, the lateral members 20, 22 and the connecting members 30, are constructed from materials that are strong, yet lightweight, so that users of differing strength levels may be able to lift and otherwise move the exercise apparatus 10 as described in greater detail below. Various components of the exercise apparatus 10, including but not limited to the lateral members 20, 22 and the connecting members 30, are formed from materials including but not limited to metal, alloy, high-strength plastic material, wood, fiberglass and/or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the lateral members 20, 22 and the connecting members 30 are formed from a material having a tubular shape having an outside diameter of between about one to about two inches. Preferably, the outer diameter is sized and shaped for ease of use by a wide range of exercisers having variously sized/shaped hands, although it is contemplated that there may be different versions of the apparatus 10 that are provided based on the size of the user's hands.

As stated above and in an embodiment, each of the plurality of connecting members 30 is spaced equidistantly apart. In other words, if the distance between the first connecting member 31 and the immediately adjacent intermediate connecting member 33 is 12 inches, then the distance between the last connecting member 32 is 12 inches spaced apart from its immediately adjacent intermediate connecting member 33, and the like. In an embodiment, the connecting members 30 are spaced at a distance of about 12 to about 18 inches apart along the length of the lateral members 20. In some embodiments, the connecting members are spaced at a distance of about 14 to about 16 inches apart.

In an embodiment, an extended portion 21 extends from each of the first and second lateral members 20, 22, beyond the first end 11 and the second end 12, for some distance beyond the first and last connecting members 31, 32, while in yet another embodiment (not shown), no extended portion 21 extends beyond one or both of the first end 11 and the second end 12. In an embodiment, the extended portion 21 extends about one to about six inches beyond the first and last connecting members 31, 32, respectively. In some embodiments, the extended portion 21 extends about three to about four inches. In yet a further embodiment, the extended portions 21 extend symmetrically beyond the first and last connecting members 31, 32.

In an embodiment (not shown), the extended portion 21 of exercise apparatus 10 is attachable to the extended portion 21 of at least a second, third, and so on, exercise apparatus 10. It is contemplated that the extended portions 21 may be attached to other extended portions 21 by a variety of methods, including but not limited to, easily detachable methods or fitting members, such that the extended portion 21 of the first end 11 of a first exercise apparatus 10 is attachable to/detachable from the extended portion 21 of the second end 12 of a second exercise apparatus 10. For example, the extended portion 21 extending from the first end 11 may have a hollow end capable of receiving and retaining the extended portion 21 of the second end 12 of an adjacent exercise apparatus 10, with or without a removable pin or other impermanent fastening means.

In an embodiment, a slip-resistant cap 40 is formed as part of or otherwise attached to the extended portion 21. The slip-resistant cap 40, serves to stabilize the apparatus 10 during certain exercises when, for instance, the apparatus 10 may be positioned in contact with a surface at either or both of the first or second ends 11, 12. The slip-resistant cap 40 may also serve to create resistance against a surface for certain exercises. It is contemplated that the slip-resistant cap 40 may be made of a material, which is suitable for its function, durable, and in an embodiment, may be removable and/or replaceable. It is further contemplated that the slip-resistant cap 40 when attached to the extended portions 21, may be attached by a variety of methods including but not limited using an adhesive, compression fitting the cap 40 to the extended portion 21, or by other known mechanical means.

Referring now to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the exercise apparatus 10 includes a plurality of holding members 50 rigidly secured in proximity to the first and last connecting members 31, 32, proximate the extended portion 21 of the first and second lateral members 20, 22. The holding members 50 are typically positioned in proximity to and extend from the first and second lateral members 20, 22 in a same direction. In other words, as shown herein, each of the holding members 50 extend from the same side of the apparatus 10, in a downward direction. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, if the apparatus 10 were to be rotated 180° around the longitudinal axes of symmetry 70, the holding members would extend in an upward direction. In other words, to suggest that the holding members extend downward or upward simply depends on the positioning of the exercise apparatus 10 at any given point in time.

While it is possible to provide the holding members 50 as removable/detachable members, it is also contemplated that the holding members 50 be formed integrally with the apparatus 10, such as through injection molding of plastics. While the holding members 50 are depicted as handles, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the holding members 50 may also be in the shape of a cleat hitch, a rigid handle, a drop handle, a knob, a strap, an eye hook, a clip, or other device having a shape that is able to facilitate gripping or handling or capable of receiving an attachment.

The holding members 50 serve multiple functions, including to provide a location for addition of a weight or other load force to the apparatus 10, which could be accomplished in an embodiment by directly attaching the weight to the holding members 50 or by another attaching method such as chains or ropes or elastic bands connected or otherwise attached to the holding members 50. Additional resistance can be added to the apparatus by attaching resistance bands to the holding members 50. The holding members 50 serve the further function of raising the apparatus from a surface to provide for a gripping space in performing some exercises. In addition, the holding members 50 can also serve as a mount for the apparatus for some exercises as well as for storage and display. It is contemplated that the holding members 50 would be made from a strong, durable and lightweight material that would suit its functions. Such materials include those as discussed relative to the apparatus 10 itself, although it is contemplated that the holding members 50 could be formed of dissimilar materials as the lateral members 20, 22 and the connecting members 30, as long as the balance of the apparatus 10 is not negatively impacted.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 and in an embodiment, the exercise apparatus 10 includes a plurality of friction grips 60 positioned along various positions along the lateral members 20, 22 and one or more of the connecting members 30. The plurality of friction grips 60 functions to provide a secure surface for gripping, handling and/or balancing the apparatus while using the apparatus 10. The friction grips 60 serve an additional function of providing visual cues as to potential gripping and balancing patterns for more basic exercises, as will be described in more detail below. It is contemplated that the friction grips 60 may be made from a variety of materials that would be suitable for contact with human skin, use in wet, humid or sweaty conditions and be anti-microbial and/or anti-bacterial. Such materials include but are not limited to durable and slip-resistant materials such as plastic, fabric, gripping tape, soft-touch surfaces, and the like.

For purposes of illustrating features of a method according to an aspect, a simple example is introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this example is illustrative and not limiting and is provided purely for explanatory purposes. In the illustrative examples, the method is described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3F, 4A-4E, and 5A-5H.

Referring to the illustrative examples of FIGS. 3A-3F, 4A-4E, and 5A-5H, a method according to an embodiment includes introducing unilateral and asymmetric variables into an exercise movement, and thereby controllably improving the conditioning of the exerciser, that is, of the user of the method and apparatus. In this way, it is possible to enhance the exerciser's ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury to the exerciser's routine activities. One such step includes selecting an exercise movement using the exercise apparatus 10 described hereinabove.

As contemplated herein and in an embodiment, the types of exercise movements that may be selected include but are not limited to: gripping positions, which are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F; foot and/or stance positions, which are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E; and apparatus movements, which are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D and further in FIGS. 5E-5H. It is further contemplated that exercise movements may be selected independently or in combinations to create unique exercise movements and patterns of exercise movements. As also contemplated herein and in an embodiment, exercise movements may be performed using combinations of gripping positions, foot and/or stance positions, apparatus movements, speed variation, and with the addition weights or resistance attached to the holding members of the exercise apparatus.

Turning to the Figures, FIGS. 3A-3F depict various gripping positions contemplated herein. It would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that not all possible combinations of gripping positions are depicted herein, but that these figures are merely representative of the types of gripping positions contemplated. With reference to FIG. 3A, a “wide grip” may be utilized, that is, a grip that has one or more connecting members 30 between the actual gripping positions selected/used by the exerciser. For instance, as seen in FIG. 3A, one connecting member is positioned between the connecting members. The selected gripping positions are shown using a stylized human hand. As shown herein, the potential gripping positions are designated as a darkened area, including the plurality of friction grips 60, while the stylized human hands depict the actual gripping position selected for a particular exercise movement.

As contemplated in FIG. 3B and at least in a starting position, the exerciser grips the designated connecting members, at the gripping positions designated by the stylized human hands, wherein the exercise apparatus is in the balanced state around the axes of symmetry 70. Such a position is typically considered at least the starting position—that is, the place that the exercise begins. Thus, the exerciser would place his/her hands at the selected gripping position, and then lift the apparatus, typically overhead, to begin the sequence of exercises.

FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D depict “close grips,” that is, grips that do not include maintaining an intermediate connecting member between the gripping positions. In other words, the gripping positions are at adjacent connecting members, wherein the exerciser grips the apparatus at two adjacent holding members. As would be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D and 3E are gripping positions that would result in asymmetric movements.

FIG. 3F depicts a typical wide lateral grip, wherein the exerciser grips the apparatus by two sections of a single lateral member, while maintain a wide grip, in this case, placing the hands on the lateral member such that two intermediate connecting members fall within the span between the actual gripping positions. It is contemplated that by increasing the distance between the exerciser's gripping positions, as well as increasing the distance of the grips from the axes of symmetry 70 of the apparatus, will increase the difficulty in performing the exercise movements. As will be readily understood with reference to FIG. 3F, if the exerciser aligns the gripping position on a single lateral member, the opposite lateral member will have a tendency to pivot downward due to the gravitational pull on that member, thus lending an asymmetrical variable to the movement.

With reference again to FIG. 3B, the gripping positions represent gripping positions that will result in balance of the exercise apparatus around its axes of symmetry 70, which will make it easier for the exerciser to maintain balance of the apparatus. FIG. 3F represents balance around a single axis of symmetry 70, while being unbalanced around the other axis of symmetry 70. On the contrary, the examples of FIGS. 3A, and 3C to 3D represent gripping positions that are off-set from both axes of symmetry 70.

FIGS. 3A and 3C illustrate gripping positions that are off-set by varying distances from the apparatus axes of symmetry 70 while FIG. 3D illustrates an adjacent gripping, (that is, one without one or more intermediate connecting members positioned between the gripping positions), while being offset in an extreme fashion (that is, to the outermost connecting member and the one adjacent thereto), from both of the axes of symmetry 70. It is further contemplated that any of the illustrated grip positions could be transposed to either the first or second ends or the opposite lateral member of the apparatus to mirror the grip as illustrated in the gripping position of FIGS. 3A to 3F.

While it is possible to conceive of various gripping positions by which the user grips the holding members, it is moreover contemplated that the holding members, when used, are used to attach various weights as discussed above to increase the difficulty and/or shift the balance of the device by, for instance, hanging weights therefrom, to introduce the asymmetrical aspects of the movements contemplated.

While the methods are typically described with various method steps, it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in that art that no “order” of the method steps is contemplated, unless otherwise indicated. For instance, in selecting gripping positions, foot/stance positions or particular movements, it is not necessarily contemplated that this must be stepwise. For instance, if the gripping position is selected prior to the starting foot position, it would have no impact on the results of the exercise contemplated herein. In other words, introducing unilateral and/or asymmetric variables to an exercise movement is not necessarily step-wise dependent.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4E, in performing the exercise method steps hereof, or in instructing performance of the exercise steps, the various exercises included various stances and/or foot positions, including a starting foot position, a subsequent foot position, and a finishing foot position. By “stance,” what is meant is the position or bearing of the body while standing, and in this instance, to some degree dictated by the position of each foot.

Without intending to be limited hereby, FIGS. 4A to 4E depict some typical foot positions that may be instructed and/or utilized to perform the exercise method steps as contemplated herein. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4E depict centered foot positions, wherein the exerciser places each foot in a side-by-side parallel configuration, at varying widths apart. As will be readily understood, achieving such foot positions could result from shifting one or both feet to the new position. The typical stance would be to center the weight of the body over the feet, while it is possible that the weight may be shifted over either of the feet. Other positions may be incorporated into the exercise movements, such as marching in place, doing squats, and the like, as will be discussed in greater detail below. FIG. 4C depicts a typical staggered foot position, wherein the exerciser places one foot at least partially in front of the other foot. For instance, the foot stance of FIG. 4C could be achieved from the starting position of FIG. 4A, and moving the right foot forward such that the heel of the right foot aligns with the toe of the left foot. FIG. 4D depicts a single foot position (shown herein as the left foot, while it would be understood that it could easily be the right foot instead, or intervals of altering feet), wherein the exerciser lifts one foot off the ground and centers the stance over the grounded foot.

It is contemplated that increasing the distance of the foot position will increase the difficulty in performing the exercise movements. For example, among the centered foot positions, FIG. 4A illustrates a stance wherein the feet are positioned side-by-side in parallel, typically about less than or equal to a shoulder width apart, and would typically require less effort than achieving the foot positions depicted in FIGS. 4B and 4E, which illustrate centered foot positions with increasing distance between the feet, respectively. Likewise the staggered foot position illustrated in FIG. 4C would typically start with the heel of the front foot in line with the end of the toe of the back foot, and increasing the distance between the feet will increase the difficulty of the exercise movement. It is further contemplated that changing the angle or type of surface 80 for the foot stance positions, will affect the difficulty of performing the exercise movement.

With reference to the various embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D and further in 5E-5H, various exercise movements are depicted in which the instructor may instruct and/or the exercise may perform movements with the exercise apparatus to introduce unilateral and asymmetric variables into the exercise movement, and thereby controllably improve the conditioning of the user. Such conditioning results in the user/exerciser's improved ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury during the exerciser's routine activities. As contemplated herein, it is possible that the exercises be conducted as static movements (e.g. lift and hold) and/or dynamic movements (e.g. shifting the apparatus in different ways). Such movements can be selected based on the current fitness level of the exerciser, and/or the desired fitness level to be achieved. The step of performing the exercise movement(s) include but are not limited to pushing, pulling, twisting, pressing, rotating, dragging or holding the exercise apparatus in such static positions and/or dynamic motions while holding or gripping the exercise apparatus along the lateral member(s) and/or connecting member(s) along a length of the exercise apparatus.

Specifically, FIGS. 5A and 5B depict pulling and pushing apparatus movements respectively, wherein the exerciser typically grips either the lateral member(s) and/or the connecting member(s) at designated gripping positions, and either pulls upward or pushes the apparatus upward to perform the exercise movement(s). For instance, as shown in FIG. 5A, the user grips one lateral member, with two interconnecting members positioned between the chosen gripping positions, and with the feet/stance positioned as discussed above, lifts the exercise apparatus up/down, for instance, to shoulder height. As shown in FIG. 5B, the user grips the opposite lateral member, for instance the lateral member positioned closest to the ground, and pushes the exercise apparatus up and down for instructed repetitions above the head, return to shoulder height, and the like.

FIGS. 5C and 5D depict rotational/transverse and multi-planar apparatus movements respectively, wherein the exerciser typically grips the connecting members and rotates the exercise apparatus around the apparatus axes of symmetry 70 (as shown by either arrow represented at the end of the apparatus) or through various planes around the axes of symmetry 70. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5C, the user may position the apparatus above the head of the user, and rotate the apparatus in a clock-wise or counter-clock-wise rotation, swapping hand over hand to spin the apparatus above the head. As seen in, for instance, FIG. 5D, the user may extend the arms away from the body, holding the apparatus at the center two adjacent connecting members, and rotate the apparatus towards or away from the body.

FIG. 5E depicts side-to-side apparatus movements, wherein the exerciser may grip the exercise apparatus as shown in FIG. 5D, wherein the hands grip the central adjacent connecting members at the gripping position indicated by the stylized human hands, or place the exercise apparatus on a surface 80 as in FIG. 5F and then move or drag the apparatus to either side or in a side-to-side motion. Typically, the exercise apparatus would be placed on a surface 80 that is substantially flat, such as a floor, and moved either by the exerciser's hand (or possibly by using one foot to slide the apparatus, while keeping one foot centered on the surface 80—not shown in the FIGs.) to complete the apparatus movement. FIGS. 5G and 5H depict angled lift and lower apparatus movements, respectively, wherein the exerciser places the exercise apparatus on a surface 80 and lifts one end of the exercise apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 5F, or places one end of the apparatus on a surface 80 and lowers the exercise apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 5G. In performing the side-to-side apparatus movement illustrated in FIG. 5E and lift and lower apparatus movements illustrated in FIG. 5F and 5G, increasing the roughness and angle of the surface 80 would increase the difficulty of performing the apparatus movements.

Further steps of a method of using the exercise apparatus or instructing use of the exercise apparatus according to an embodiment include: selecting an exercise movement, such as those depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D and further in FIGS. 5E-5H, selecting a starting foot position for the exerciser such as those depicted in FIGS. 4A-4E, instructing and/or gripping the apparatus using gripping positions such as those depicted in FIGS. 3A-3F, and performing the selected exercise movement and repeating, and/or performing various different exercise movement(s).

The starting position of the exerciser includes gripping an exercise apparatus in a balanced state around an axes of symmetry of the exercise apparatus. Upon selection of the movement, gripping and foot positions, the exercise apparatus is then moved to an imbalanced state offset at a consistent or variable speed. The speed is selected for performing each exercise movement based on such factors as the skill, strength and agility of the exerciser. Upon completion of the exercise movement, the apparatus is returned to the balanced state around the apparatus axes of symmetry, and typically also returned to the starting gripping position to return the apparatus to its starting position.

Referring to the illustrative examples of FIGS. 3A-3F, 4A-4E, 5A-5D and further in 5E-5H, a typical method for instructing an exerciser to introduce unilateral and asymmetric variables to an exercise movement, thereby controllably improving the conditioning of an exerciser to enhance the exerciser's ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury in the exerciser's routine activities, includes instructing the exerciser/user in the various gripping positions, foot and stance positions, and exercise movements.

The components and methods illustrated are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the methods include such modifications and variations. Further, elements or steps described in the methods may be used independently and separately from other steps described herein.

While the method is described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope contemplated. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings found herein without departing from the essential scope thereof.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations.

Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, and apparatus, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus for introducing unilateral and asymmetric movements into a plurality of exercises, comprising: a first lateral member and a second lateral member rigidly disposed in a parallel arrangement; a plurality of connecting members rigidly disposed and extending transversely between the first lateral member and the second lateral member in a connecting arrangement, the connecting members being equidistantly spaced apart, wherein the connecting members comprise a first connecting member, a last connecting member, and a plurality of intermediate connecting members positioned between the first connecting member and the last connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is disposed near a first end of each of the first and second lateral members and the last connecting member is disposed near a second end of each of the first and second lateral members, wherein the first end and second end form extended portions extending from the first and second lateral members, wherein the extended portions extend symmetrically beyond the first and last connecting members, and wherein the ends of each of the extended portions comprise a slip-resistant cap; an axes of symmetry of the exercise apparatus about which the apparatus is balanced; a plurality of holding members rigidly secured near the ends, the holding members being positioned in proximity to the first and last connecting members, and extending from the first and second lateral members in a same direction; and a plurality of friction grips positioned on one or more of the connecting members and the lateral members.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second lateral members and the connecting members, have a same outer dimension.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lateral members and the connecting members, further comprise a strong and lightweight material selected from the group comprising metal, alloy, high-strength plastic material, wood, fiberglass and combinations thereof.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lateral members and the connecting members are formed from a material having a tubular shape, and having an outside diameter of between about one inch to about two inches.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting members, are spaced at a distance of about 12 inches to about 18 inches apart, along the length of the lateral members.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a uniform density around horizontal and vertical axes of symmetry.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the caps further comprise a durable and slip-resistant material selected from the group comprising plastic, fabric, gripping tape, soft-touch surfaces, and the like.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holding members are configured for attaching additional weight, adding resistance, providing space between the apparatus and a contact surface, and for mounting a display of the apparatus.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the friction grips further comprise a material that is suitable for gripping and handling the apparatus.
 10. A method for introducing unilateral and asymmetric variables to an exercise movement, thereby controllably improving the conditioning of an exerciser to enhance the exerciser's ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury in the exerciser's routine activities, comprising: selecting an exercise movement using an exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises: a first lateral member and a second lateral member rigidly disposed in a parallel arrangement; a plurality of connecting members rigidly disposed and extending transversely between the first lateral member and the second lateral member in a connecting arrangement, the connecting members being equidistantly spaced apart, wherein the connecting members comprise a first connecting member, a last connecting member, and a plurality of intermediate connecting members positioned between the first connecting member and the last connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is disposed near a first end of each of the first and second lateral members and the last connecting member is disposed near a second end of each of the first and second lateral members, wherein the first end and the second end form symmetrical extended portions extending from of the first and second lateral members, wherein the extended portions extend symmetrically beyond the first and last connecting members, and wherein the ends of each of the first and second ends extended portions of each of the first and second lateral members comprise a slip-resistant cap; an axes of symmetry of the exercise apparatus about which the apparatus is balanced; a plurality of holding members rigidly secured near the ends, the holding members being positioned in proximity to the first and last connecting members, and extending from the first and second lateral members in a same direction; and a plurality of friction grips positioned on one or more of the connecting members and the lateral members; selecting a starting foot stance position; gripping the exercise apparatus in a balanced state around the axes of symmetry; lifting the apparatus to a starting position; selecting defined gripping positions using one or more of the plurality of friction grips on the exercise apparatus moving the exercise apparatus to an imbalanced state offset from the axes of symmetry; selecting a subsequent foot position; selecting a speed for performing the exercise movement; then returning the gripping of the exercise apparatus to the balanced state around the axes of symmetry; and returning the apparatus to the starting position.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of selecting an exercise movement further comprises selecting targeted conditioning of the exerciser's upper body, lower body or abdomen.
 12. The step of claim 10, wherein the gripping positions and foot positions are selected based on levels of difficulty from a lowest level of difficulty to a highest level of difficulty.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of selecting an exercise movement is selected from a group of positions comprising pull, push, rotational/transverse, multi-planar, side-to-side, dragging, angled lifting and angled lowering.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of performing the exercise movement further comprises varying combinations of the defined gripping positions, the foot positions, the exercise movement and the speed of the exercise movement.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of selecting an exercise movement further includes the step of tailoring the selection to the fitness level of the exerciser.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of performing the exercise movement includes pushing, pulling, twisting, pressing, rotating, dragging or holding of the exercise apparatus in static and dynamic motions along the length of the exercise apparatus.
 17. A method of instructing an exerciser for introducing unilateral and asymmetric variables to an exercise movement, thereby controllably improving the conditioning of an exerciser to enhance the exerciser's ability to respond to chaotic physical stimuli and reduce potential injury in the exerciser's routine activities, comprising: selecting a starting position for the exerciser to perform an exercise movement by gripping an exercise apparatus in a balanced state around an axes of symmetry of the exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises: a first lateral member and a second lateral member rigidly disposed in a parallel arrangement; a plurality of connecting members rigidly disposed and extending transversely between the first lateral member and the second lateral member in a connecting arrangement, the connecting members being equidistantly spaced apart, wherein the connecting members comprise a first connecting member, a last connecting member, and a plurality of intermediate connecting members positioned between the first connecting member and the last connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is disposed near a first end of each of the first and second lateral members and the last connecting member is disposed near a second end of each of the first and second lateral members, wherein the first end and second end form extended portions extending from the first and second lateral members, wherein the extended portions extend symmetrically beyond the first and last connecting members, and wherein the ends of each of the extended portions comprise a slip-resistant cap; an axes of symmetry of the exercise apparatus about which the apparatus is balanced; a plurality of holding members rigidly secured near the ends, the holding members being positioned in proximity to the first and last connecting members, and extending from the first and second lateral members in a same direction; and a plurality of friction grips positioned on one or more of the connecting members and the lateral members; selecting a starting foot stance position for the exerciser; instructing the exerciser to grip the exercise apparatus and to lift the apparatus to the starting position; selecting an exercise movement for the exerciser to perform including selecting defined gripping positions on the exercise apparatus for the exerciser to move the exercise apparatus to an imbalanced state offset from the axes of symmetry; selecting a subsequent foot position for the exerciser; selecting a speed for the exerciser to perform the exercise movement; and instructing the exerciser to return to the initial gripping position wherein the apparatus is returned to the balanced state around the axes of symmetry and to return the apparatus to the starting position.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of selecting an exercise movement further comprises selecting targeted conditioning of the exerciser's upper body, lower body or abdomen.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of instructing the exerciser to perform the exercise movement further comprises instructing the exerciser to vary combinations of defined gripping positions, foot positions, exercise movement or sequence of exercise movements and speed of the exercise movement(s).
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of instructing the exerciser to perform the exercise movement includes instructing the exerciser to push, pull, twist, press, rotate, drag or hold the exercise apparatus in static and dynamic motions along the length of the exercise apparatus. 